Dr. Maria Montessori
One hundred years ago, Dr. Maria Montessori- the founder of the Montessori philosophy introduced this method to the world. It is a fundamental method of recognizing children as they really are and of creating an environment that would facilitate the fulfillment of their highest potential- spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. They live and learn in a natural mixed-age group which is similar to the greater society into which they will become a part of eventually.
Hence it will provide children with a seamless transition into different phases of their life. What is unique about the Montessori Method is that, it focuses entirely on the ‘optimal growth of a child’, prepared 'environment' and 'Montessori materials' making it different from any other program.
It is a fundamental method of recognizing children as they really are and of creating an environment that would facilitate the fulfillment of their highest potential- spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. They live and learn in a natural mixed-age group which is similar to the greater society into which they will become a part of eventually. Hence it will provide children with a seamless transition into different phases of their life. What is unique about the Montessori Method is that, it focuses entirely on the 'optimal growth of a child', prepared 'environment' and 'Montessori materials' making it different from any other program.
It is a fundamental method of recognizing children as they really are and of creating an environment that would facilitate the fulfillment of their highest potential- spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. They live and learn in a natural mixed-age group which is similar to the greater society into which they will become a part of eventually. Hence it will provide children with a seamless transition into different phases of their life. What is unique about the Montessori Method is that, it focuses entirely on the 'optimal growth of a child', prepared 'environment' and 'Montessori materials' making it different from any other program.
Activities based in the Montessori environment promote cognitive, physical and social skills allowing each child to reach his/ her utmost potential in the spectrum of development by allowing them to experience the joy of learning at their own pace. This is mainly possible due to the emphasis given to the essentially of 'prepared environment' which has created a path for self- directed learning to take place. Together with this, the freedom present in the ambiance of the environment permits children to take ownership for their learning- a stepping stone to building self concept and confidence. The Montessori materials are multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting which facilitates the learning of skills and ideas.
All in all, Montessori education is characterized by a strong emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child's natural psychological growth.
Teaching with the Montessori Method requires skills that differ from traditional teaching. In Montessori schools, a teacher works with children on an individual basis, guiding them and helping them discover their own natural talents. It enlightens the adult to be less egocentric and more observant of a child's growing need. It enables Montessori teachers to respect individual differences, and to accentuate social interaction and work towards the education of the whole personality of a child rather than the teaching of a specific body of knowledge. The Montessori preschool industry is widely considered to be 'recession proof'.